Kevin Alston’s return lifts Revs

Friday, August 9, 2013 -- Anonymous (not verified)

Sections:

Revolution & Soccer

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Author(s):

John H. Connolly

FOXBORO — Amidst the hullabaloo involving trades and transfers, a recent boon to the Revolution has been the return to action of ace defender Kevin Alston, who continues to progress in his battle back from chronic myelogenous leukemia.

“For me, it’s such a courageous story,” Revs coach Jay Heaps said before the team left Thursday for tonight’s game against Sporting Kansas City (8:30, CSN). “But what Kevin is going to bring to us on the field is what we need: a little bit of energy and a little bit more experience.”

The 25-year-old Alston is happy to be back playing with his teammates. He made his return as a substitute at D.C. United on July 27.

“It was one of those situations where I actually wasn’t hurt; I was sick. Every day I’d feel perfectly fine but I’d ask, ‘Why can’t I?’ That was the toughest part,” Alston said. “Just being back in and battling feels great. I want to help this team any way I can.”

Alston’s return to form comes amid an intriguing week around the Revs camp with several roster moves. First, the club mutually agreed to cancel the contract of 29-year-old midfielder Kalifa Cisse.

Yesterday, the Revs (8-8-6) added 27-year-old striker Charlie Davies, who is on loan with a purchase option from Danish club Randers FC. The Revs traded their final natural selection in the 2014 draft to D.C. United to obtain his services. Davies, a former Boston College star, was a contender for a 2010 World Cup roster spot before his career was slowed by a 2009 car crash.

Meanwhile, forward Juan Agudelo, who just returned to training from a right knee sprain, has inked a pre-contract agreement with Stoke City of the English Premier League. The 20-year-old will stay with the Revs through the remainder of the season.